Reaksmey's story, Cambodia
Reaksmey, 23, from Kampot, Cambodia, grew up deaf and isolated from society because of his hearing disability. Through Epic Arts, he learnt sign language for the first time, formed new friendships and now works at their café earning a steady income.
Reaksmey working at Epic Arts cafe. Photo: Caritas Australia
Reaksmey inside his home in Cambodia. Photo: Caritas Australia
Reaksmey grew up in the Kampot province in southern Cambodia.
He never knew his mother, who passed away from a heart attack 15 days after he was born.
When Reaksmey’s dad re-married and moved out to live with his new family, Reaksmey was left to be raised by his two aunts. But despite their best efforts, communication was difficult as none of them knew any sign language.
School was a struggle for Reaksmey. Without the ability to speak or hear, he found it difficult to find acceptance with his fellow classmates who discriminated him because of his disability.
Because of the discrimination he experienced from his classmates at school, Reaksmey quit school after grade six and never went back. From there on, he mostly stayed at home and looked after the cows in his family farm.
I went to school to grade six, but I felt sad because I couldn’t communicate with my friends, I couldn’t hear my friends. I always stayed alone. My other friends just talked to each other, but I was alone.
In Cambodia, children with a disability are often severely disadvantaged when it comes to their education prospects.
The Inclusive Education in Kampot project is dedicated to opening doors for children with disabilities, ensuring they can learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers. Working with local Cambodian NGO Epic Arts, the project supports teachers and schools with the tools and learning environment they need to create truly inclusive classrooms, to ensure that children with disabilities can access education, and enjoy the same rights as every other child.
It also supports young people like Reaksmey with opportunities to help them participate more fully in society through sign language classes, vocational training and art.
When Reaksmey participated in the project, he was able to learn sign language and discover a way to communicate – for the first time in his life. The project also helped provide Reaksmey with a bicycle so that he can travel to and from the centre.
Reaksmey learning sign language classes which take place at the Epic Arts cafe. Photo: Caritas Australia
Reaksmey making bagels at Epic Arts Cafe. Photo: Caritas Australia
He also participated in a range of classes including dancing, painting, handicraft, computer, coffee making and vocational training.
“Before I joined Epic Arts, I was lost and alone. After I joined Epic Arts, I got the opportunity to draw and paint. The drawing and painting allow me to express my feelings and emotions,” he shared.
As his confidence grew, so did his ambitions. Reaksmey took part in vocational training and became especially interested in hospitality. With encouragement from his teachers, he applied for a job at the Epic Arts Café, a social enterprise that has been providing employment to people with and without disabilities for 20 years.
After successfully passing the job interview, Reaksmey was hired as a kitchen hand.
“I just want to share a message to everyone to stop discriminating people with disability, like me, who have a hearing disability or those with physical disabilities,” he shared.
“Please encourage people with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate, to have the opportunity to find jobs – just like everyone else.”
Your donation can help
Support a child with disability to attend and participate in school through inclusive learning support
Reaksmey learning dance classes at Epic Arts. Photo: Caritas Australia
Help young people with disability attend sign language, dance and art class
Reaksmey learning art at Epic Arts. Photo: Caritas Australia
Provide inclusive education for children with disabilities, including tailored learning support.
